In Bangladesh, aquatic foods play a central role in dietary patterns, livelihoods and culture. Fish is by far the most commonly consumed animal-source food in the country, whose population consumes an average of 19.71 kg/person/year. It is an important diet staple, providing a rich source of micronutrients and accounting for 60 percent of animal protein intake.
Both capture fisheries and aquaculture play significant roles in fish production and consumption in Bangladesh. Aquaculture currently produces more than 2 million metric tons per year, while small-scale fisheries production is around 1.54 million metric tons.
There is great potential to substantially boost production with innovations such as community-based fisheries management, sustainable feeds and low carbon production systems.
In 2014-15, 83,524 metric tons of aquatic foods were exported, more than half of which were shrimp. Around 18.2 million people are employed in fisheries and aquaculture.
We have been working with the Government of Bangladesh and development partners since 1989 to create a more productive fisheries and aquaculture sector that contributes to diversified and resilient rural livelihoods and promotes food and nutrition security.